Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and storage medium having stored thereon information processing program

ABSTRACT

When an information processing apparatus is started, reception of data indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus is attempted. A plurality of objects respectively corresponding to a plurality of application programs is displayed on a display device, and upon reception of an operation performed by a user, an application program corresponding to one of the objects selected by the operation performed by the user is launched. When the data is received, a display form of an object, which relates to a connection application program including a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, is changed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-158194, filedJun. 17, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing system, and a storage medium having storedthereon an information processing program, and more particularly, thepresent invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing system, and a storage medium having storedthereon an information processing program which are capable ofselectively launching a plurality of application programs.

2. Description of the Background Art

Conventionally, there have been developed various apparatuses forestablishing connection to a wide area network, such as the Internet, ora local network via a wireless LAN or the like. For example, JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-142859 (hereinafter referred to asPatent document 1) discloses a wireless network system whichautomatically searches an access point when a program for causing anapparatus to connect to a network (hereinafter referred to as a“connection program”) is launched. In the wireless network systemdisclosed in above-described Patent document 1, the apparatus is causedto connect to the searched access point in accordance with a result ofthe automatic access point searching.

However, in the wireless network system disclosed in above-describedPatent document 1, the apparatus performs the access point searching ata timing when the connection program is launched, instead of when theapparatus is started up. That is, unless the user of the apparatuslaunches the connection program, the user does not recognize whether ornot the apparatus is connectable to the network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus, an information processing system, anda storage medium having stored thereon an information processing programwhich are capable of supporting and prompting a user to select anapplication program to be launched from among a plurality of applicationprograms.

The present invention has the following features to solve the problemmentioned above. It is noted that reference characters, step numbers,and supplementary explanations in parentheses are merely provided tofacilitate the understanding of the present invention in relation to thelater-described embodiment, rather than limiting the scope of thepresent invention in any way.

A first aspect is an information processing apparatus (1) which iscapable of storing a plurality of application programs. The informationprocessing apparatus comprises: launcher means (CPU 31 executing steps55 and 62; hereinafter simply denoted by step numbers) and connectionpoint data receiving means (S54, S56, S61, S63, S64). The launcher meansallows a user to select an application program to be launched from amongthe plurality of application programs when the information processingapparatus is started, and launches the selected application program. Theconnection point data receiving means attempts to receive data(connection data) indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus(3) when the information processing apparatus is started. The launchermeans displays (FIGS. 3 and 10), on a display device (12), a pluralityof objects (I) respectively corresponding to the plurality ofapplication programs, receives an operation (Da) performed by the user,and launches the application program which is selected by the operationand which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects (S71to S84). The launcher means includes object display form changing means(S62). The object display form changing means changes a display form ofthe object relating to a connection application program, which is theapplication program including a program for causing the informationprocessing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to theconnection point apparatus, when the connection point data receivingmeans receives the data. It is noted that the change in the display formof the object includes a change in a display in an emphasized manner(color change of at least a part of a frame, edge enhancement,enlargement, highlighting and the like), a change by adding a sign(e.g., addition of an arrow pointing to an object), a change in shape, achange in color, a change in an inside picture, a change by animatingthe inside picture, a change in explanatory text relating to the object,change from a still display to a moving display, a change in a displayposition, a change in a background color, a change from a non-visiblestate to a visible state, and the like. Further, the data indicative ofthe presence of the connection point apparatus may be transmitted froman apparatus different from the connection point apparatus, or may beincluded in a beacon transmitted from the connection point apparatus.Still further, the connection point apparatus includes a wireless accesspoint, another information processing apparatus, another game apparatusand the like.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point datareceiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presenceof the connection point apparatus during a time period from when theinformation processing apparatus has started to when the launcher meanshas started.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point datareceiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presenceof the connection point apparatus during a time period from when theinformation processing apparatus has started until before the launchermeans becomes capable of receiving the operation performed by the user.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the connection point datareceiving means continuously attempts to receive the data indicative ofthe presence of the connection point apparatus even after theinformation processing apparatus has started and after the launchermeans has become capable of receiving the operation performed by theuser.

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection applicationprogram is a viewer program for establishing connection to a network viathe connection point apparatus. The object display form changing meanschanges the display form of the object relating to the viewer programwhen the connection point data receiving means receives the dataindicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, when the informationprocessing apparatus is started, the connection point data receivingmeans does not transmit a radio wave therefrom, and receives the dataindicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.

In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the data indicative ofthe presence of the connection point apparatus at least includes dataindicative of an identifier for identifying the connection pointapparatus. When the connection application program is launched, thelauncher means is connected to the connection point apparatus by usingthe data indicative of the identifier, the data being included in thedata received by the connection point data receiving means.

In an eighth aspect based on a seventh aspect, the connection pointapparatus is a wireless access point. The identifier is an SSID (ServiceSet Identifier).

In a ninth aspect based on the seventh aspect, data communicated betweenthe connection point apparatus and the information processing apparatusis encoded with a key. The data indicative of the presence of theconnection point apparatus further includes data indicative of the key(WEP key) for establishing connection to the connection point apparatus.When the connection application program is launched, the launcher meansis connected to the connection point apparatus, by using the dataindicative of the identifier and data indicative of the key which areincluded in the data received by the connection point data receivingmeans.

In a tenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point datareceiving means uses a dedicated protocol which is at least mounted tothe information processing apparatus and to another apparatus (2) fromwhich the data indicative of the presence of the connection pointapparatus is transmitted, and attempts to receive the data.

In an eleventh aspect based on the first aspect, the data indicative ofthe presence of the connection point apparatus further includes data(location ID) for specifying a predetermined content. When theconnection application program is launched, the launcher means obtains acontent, which is specified by the data for specifying the predeterminedcontent, via a network.

In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the launcher meansobtains an icon (Ism) relating to the content from a server on thenetwork, displays the icon on the display device so as to prompt theuser to select the icon, and obtains, via the network, the contentrelating to the icon selected by the user.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connectionapplication program is stored in the information processing apparatus inadvance.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connectionapplication program is downloaded via a network and installed in theinformation processing apparatus.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourth aspect, in the case where theconnection point data receiving means receives the data, changes thedisplay form of the object relating to the connection applicationprogram, and then stops receiving the data, the object display formchanging means restores the display form of the object relating to theconnection application program to a state before the change.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the informationprocessing apparatus further comprises connection point data storagemeans (32, Db) and reconnection means (S81). The connection point datastorage means keeps storing the data received by the connection pointdata receiving means until the information processing apparatus is shutdown. The reconnection means attempts to reconnect to the connectionpoint apparatus in accordance with the connection point data stored inthe connection point data storage means when connection to theconnection point apparatus is established and then interrupted.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the first aspect, the object displayform changing means changes the display form of an icon object relatingto the connection application program by changing a color of at least apart of a frame of the icon object, when the connection point datareceiving means receives the data.

In an eighteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the object displayform changing means changes the display form of an icon object relatingto the connection application program by animating the icon object, whenthe connection point data receiving means receives the data.

A nineteenth aspect is an information processing system. The informationprocessing system includes an information processing apparatus, aconnection point apparatus, and an connection point data transmittingapparatus. The information processing apparatus is capable of storing aplurality of application programs. The connection point datatransmitting apparatus transmits data indicative of presence of theconnection point apparatus. The information processing apparatusincludes launcher means and connection point data receiving means. Thelauncher means allows a user to select an application program to belaunched from among the plurality of application programs when theinformation processing apparatus is started, and launches the selectedapplication program. The connection point data receiving means attemptsto receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection pointapparatus from the connection point data transmitting apparatus when theinformation processing apparatus is started. The launcher meansdisplays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectivelycorresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives anoperation performed by the user and launches the application programwhich is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an objectamong the plurality of objects. The launcher means includes objectdisplay form changing means. The object display form changing meanschanges a display form of the object relating to a connectionapplication program, which is the application program including aprogram for causing the information processing apparatus to execute aprocedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, whenthe connection point data receiving means receives the data.

A twentieth aspect is a computer-readable storage medium having storedthereon an information processing program executed by a computer (31) ofan information processing apparatus which is capable of storing aplurality of application programs. The information processing programcauses the computer to function as launcher means and connection pointdata receiving means. The launcher means allows a user to select anapplication program to be launched from among the plurality ofapplication programs when the information processing apparatus isstarted, and launches the selected application program. The connectionpoint data receiving means attempts to receive data indicative ofpresence of a connection point apparatus when the information processingapparatus is started. The launcher means displays, on a display device,a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality ofapplication programs, receives an operation performed by the user, andlaunches the application program which is selected by the operation andwhich corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects. Thelauncher means includes object display form changing means. The objectdisplay form changing means changes a display form of the objectrelating to a connection application program, which is the applicationprogram including a program for causing the information processingapparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connectionpoint apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receivesthe data.

The above-described first aspect attempts to obtain the data indicativeof the presence of the connection point apparatus, and changes thedisplay form of an object (e.g., an icon) relating to an applicationwhich includes a program for executing a procedural step of connectingto the connection point apparatus. Therefore, when a list, of aplurality of application programs is displayed by using icons so as toprompt the user to select an application program to be launched, an iconof an application which has a function of connecting to the connectionpoint is displayed distinguishably from icons of the remainingapplications in accordance with whether or not there is any accessibleconnection point apparatus (e.g., whether or not a network connection ispossible). Accordingly, the icon can be easily distinguished from theremaining icons, and thus it is possible to inform the user that theapplication is usable and also possible to prompt the user to launch theapplication.

The above-described second to fourth aspects attempt to obtain the dataindicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus beforeand/or during displaying the launcher menu, and changes the display formof an object relating to an application including a program forexecuting a procedural step of connecting to the connection pointapparatus. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user that theapplication is usable.

According to the fifth aspect, since the display form of an objectrelating to a viewer program is changed, it is possible to inform theuser that the viewer program is usable and also possible to prompt theuser to launch the viewer program.

The sixth aspect does not automatically output a radio wave so as toreceive data from another apparatus, for example, when the power isturned ON. Therefore, even in a circumstance where an output of anelectromagnetic wave is prohibited (e.g., in an airplane), the power ofthe information processing apparatus can be turned ON.

According to the seventh aspect, even if the user does not know theidentifier of the connection point apparatus in advance, the user isable to establish connection to the connection point apparatus, andaccordingly, the user is able to establish connection to an indefinitenumber of connection point apparatuses.

According to the eighth aspect, even if the user does not know the SSIDin advance, the user is able to establish connection to the wirelessaccess point, and accordingly, the user is able to establish connectionto an indefinite number of wireless access points. Further, as comparedto a case where the SSID of the wireless access point is set to ANY, notall apparatuses can automatically establish connection, but only suchapparatuses that receive the SSID can establish connection. Therefore,unlike the case where the SSID is set to ANY, disordered connection willnot be established.

According to the ninth aspect, even if the user does not know theidentifier or the key of the connection point apparatus in advance, theuser is able to establish connection to the connection point apparatus.Accordingly, the user is able to establish connection to an indefinitenumber of connection point apparatuses. Further, even if there happensto be another connection point apparatus which uses the same identifieras the connection point apparatus, it is possible to prevent connectionto the another connection point apparatus.

According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to limit the apparatuswhich is connectable to the connection point apparatus.

According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to distribute apredetermined content to the user.

According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to allow the user toselect two desired contents from among contents provided via theconnection point apparatus.

According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to establish a quickconnection to the connection point apparatus by preinstalling aconnection application program.

According to the fourteenth aspect, even if the connection applicationprogram is not installed, it is possible to establish connection to theconnection point apparatus, and consequently, it becomes possible to,for example, browse contents obtained via the connection pointapparatus.

According to the fifteenth aspect, in accordance with a reception stateof the data indicative of the presence of the connection pointapparatus, the display form of an object, which relates to anapplication including a program for executing a procedural step ofconnecting to the connection point apparatus, changes instantaneously.Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that the user is within anarea in which an application, which is represented by the object andwhich attempts to connect to an connection point apparatus, isconnectable to the connection point apparatus.

According to the sixteenth aspect, even if an area in which the dataindicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus isreceivable is not overlapped with an area in which it is possible toestablish connection to the connection point apparatus, it is possibleto establish connection to the connection point apparatus in such anon-overlapped area as long as the data has been received.

According to the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects, it is possible todistinguish an icon relating to an application including a program toexecute a procedural step of connecting to the connection pointapparatus by changing a color of at least a part of a frame of the icon,or by animating a display of the icon object. Further, it is possible toprompt the user to launch the application by changing the color of atleast a part of the frame of the icon, or by animating the display ofthe icon object.

According to the information processing system and the storage mediumhaving stored thereon the information processing program of the presentinvention, the same advantageous effects as those of the above-describedinformation processing apparatus may be obtained.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an outer appearance of a game apparatus 1 on which aninformation processing program according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is executed;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internalconfiguration of the game apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display displayed on alower LCD 12 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on the lower LCD 12shown in FIG. 1, where a plurality of icons is numbered;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary system in which the gameapparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a wireless access point 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of various data which is storedin a main memory 32 by executing the information processing program;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing exemplary connection data Db shown in FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first half of information processingperformed on the game apparatus 1 by executing the informationprocessing program according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second half of the informationprocessing performed on the game apparatus 1 by executing theinformation processing program according to the one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on the lower LCD 12,where an icon I11 is displayed in a non-emphasized manner without beingdistinguished from other icons I; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on the lower LCD 12,where icons Ism1 and Ism2 are displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to drawings, an information processing apparatusexecuting an information processing program according to one embodimentof the present invention will be described. Although the informationprocessing program of the present invention is usable by executing thesame on any computer system which is capable of performing a display ona display device, a game apparatus 1 will be used as an exemplaryinformation processing apparatus, and the information processing programwill be described by using an information processing program executed onthe game apparatus 1. FIG. 1 is an outer appearance of the gameapparatus 1 on which the information processing program of the presentinvention is executed. Here, as an exemplary game apparatus 1, ahand-held game apparatus is shown. The game apparatus 1 includes acamera, and also functions as an imaging apparatus to take an image withthe camera, to display the taken image on a screen, and to store data ofthe taken image.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 is a foldable hand-held gameapparatus in an opened state. The game apparatus 1 is configured to havesuch a size as to be held by a user with both hands or one hand.

The game apparatus 1 includes a lower housing 11 and an upper housing21. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are connected to eachother so as to be capable of being opened or closed (foldable). In anexample of FIG. 1, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 areeach formed in a plate-like shape of a horizontally long rectangle, andfoldably connected to each other at long side portions thereof. Usually,the user uses the game apparatus 1 in the opened state. When not usingthe game apparatus 1, the user keeps the game apparatus 1 in a closedstate. In the example shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the closed stateand the opened state, the game apparatus 1 is capable of maintaining anangle between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 at any angleranging between the closed state and the opened state by frictionalforce generated at a connection portion and the like. In other words,the upper housing 21 can be stationary at any angle with respect to thelower housing 11.

In the lower housing 11, a lower LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 12 isprovided. The lower LCD 12 has a horizontally long shape, and is locatedsuch that a long side direction thereof corresponds to a long sidedirection of the lower housing 11. It is noted that although an LCD isused as a display device provided in the game apparatus 1 in the presentembodiment, any other display devices such as a display device using anEL (Electro Luminescence) may be used. In addition, the game apparatus 1can use a display device of any resolution. Although details will bedescribed later, the lower LCD 12 is used mainly for displaying an imagetaken by an inner camera 23 and an outer camera 25 in real time.

In the lower housing 11, operation buttons 14A to 14K and a touch panel13 are provided as input devices. As shown in FIG. 1, among theoperation buttons 14A to 14K, the direction input button 14A, theoperation button 14B, the operation button 14C, the operation button19D, the operation button 14E, the power button 14F, the start button14G, and the select button 14H are provided on an inner main surface ofthe lower housing 11 which is located inside when the upper housing 21and the lower housing 11 are folded. The direction input button 14A isused, for example, for a selection operation and the like. The operationbuttons 19B to 14E are used, for example, for a determination operation,a cancellation operation, and the like. The power button 14F is used forturning the power of the game apparatus 1 ON/OFF. In the example shownin FIG. 1, the direction input button 14A and the power button 14F areprovided on the inner main surface of the lower housing 11, and on oneof a left side and a right side (on the left side in FIG. 1) of thelower LCD 12 which is provided substantially at a central portion of theinner main surface of the lower housing. The operation buttons 14B to14E, the start button 14G, and the select button 14H are also providedon the inner main surface of the lower housing 11 and on the other oneof the left side and the right side (on the right side in FIG. 1) of thelower LCD 12. The direction input button 14A, the operation buttons 14Bto 14E, the start button 14G and the select button 14H are used forperforming various operations with respect to the game apparatus 1.

It is noted that the operation buttons 14I to 14K are omitted in FIG. 1.For example, an L button 14I is provided at a left end of an upper sidesurface of the lower housing 11, and the R button 14J is provided at aright end of the upper side surface of the lower housing 11. The Lbutton 14I and the R button 14J are used, for example, for performing aphotographing instruction operation (a shutter operation) with respectto the game apparatus 1. In addition, the volume button 14K is providedon the left side surface of the lower housing 11. The volume button 14Kis used for adjusting volume of speakers of the game apparatus 1.

The game apparatus 1 further includes the touch panel 13 as anotherinput device in addition to the operation buttons 14A to 14K. The touchpanel 13 is mounted so as to cover a screen of the lower LCD 12. In thepresent embodiment, the touch panel 13 is, for example, a resistive filmtype touch panel. However, the touch panel 13 is not limited to theresistive film type, but any press-type touch panel may be used. Thetouch panel 13 used in the present embodiment has the same resolution(detection accuracy) as the lower LCD 12. However, the resolution of thetouch panel 13 and the resolution of the lower LCD 12 is not necessarilythe same as each other. In the right side surface of the lower housing11, an insertion opening (a dotted line shown in FIG. 1) is provided.The insertion opening is capable of accommodating a stylus pen 27 whichis used for performing an operation with respect to the touch panel 13.Although an input to the touch panel 13 is usually performed by usingthe stylus pen 27, a finger of the user may be used for operating thetouch panel 13 instead of the stylus pen 27.

In the right side surface of the lower housing 11, an insertion slot(indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) is provide foraccommodating a memory card 28. Inside the insertion slot, a connector(not shown) is provided for electrically connecting the game apparatus 1to the memory card 28. The memory card 28 is, for example, an SD (SecureDigital) memory card, and is detachably mounted to the connector. Thememory card 28 is used, for example, for storing (saving) an image takenby the game apparatus 1, and loading an image generated on anotherapparatus into the game apparatus 1.

Further, in the upper side surface of the lower housing 11, an insertionslot (indicated by a chain line in FIG. 1) is provided for accommodatinga memory card 29. Inside the insertion slot, a connector (not shown) isprovided for electrically connecting the game apparatus 1 to the memorycard 29. The memory card 29 is a storage medium having stored thereon aninformation processing program, a game program, and the like, and isdetachably mounted in the insertion slot provided in the lower housing11.

Three LEDs 15A to 15C are mounted to a right side part of the connectionportion where the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 areconnected to each other. The game apparatus 1 is capable of performingwireless communication with another apparatus, and the first LED 15A islit up while wireless communication is established. The second LED 15Bis lit up while the game apparatus 1 is charged. The third LED 15C islit up while the power of the game apparatus 1 is ON. Thus, by the threeLEDs 15A to 15C, a state of communication establishment of the gameapparatus 1, a state of charge of the game apparatus 1, and a state ofON/OFF of the power of the game apparatus 1 can be notified to the user.

Meanwhile, in the upper housing 21, an upper LCD 22 is provided. Theupper LCD 22 has a horizontally long shape, and is located such that along side direction thereof corresponds to a long side direction of theupper housing 21. As with the lower LCD 12, a display device of anothertype having any resolution may be used instead of the upper LCD 22. Forexample, a touch panel may be provided so as to cover the upper LCD 22.

In the upper housing 21, two cameras (the inner camera 23 and the outercamera 25) are provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner camera 23 ismounted in an inner main surface of the upper housing 21 and adjacent tothe connection portion. On the other hand, the outer camera 25 ismounted in a surface opposite to the surface in which the inner camera23 is mounted, namely, in an outer main surface of the upper housing 21(which is a surface located on the outside of the game apparatus 1 inthe closed state, and a back surface of the upper housing 21 shown inFIG. 1). In FIG. 1, the outer camera 25 is indicated by a dashed line.Thus, the inner camera 23 is capable of taking an image in a directionin which the inner main surface of the upper housing 21 faces, and theouter camera 25 is capable of taking an image in a direction opposite toan imaging direction of the inner camera 23, namely, in a direction inwhich the outer main surface of the upper housing 21 faces. In thismanner, in the present embodiment, the inner camera 23 and the outercamera 25 are provided such that the imaging directions thereof areopposite to each other. For example, the user can take an image of aview as viewed from the game apparatus 1 toward the user with the innercamera 23 as well as an image of a view as viewed from the gameapparatus 1 in a direction opposite to the user with the outer camera25.

In the inner main surface, a microphone (microphone 42 shown in FIG. 2)is accommodated as a voice input device in the vicinity of theconnection portion. In the inner main surface, microphone hole 16 isformed in the vicinity of the connection portion so as to allow themicrophone 42 to detect sound outside the game apparatus 1. Theaccommodating position of the microphone 42 and the position of themicrophone hole 16 are not necessarily in the vicinity of to theconnection portion. For example, the microphone 42 may be accommodatedin the lower housing 11, and the microphone hole 16 may be provided inthe lower housing 11 so as to correspond to the accommodating positionof the microphone 42.

In the outer main surface of the upper housing 21, a fourth LED 26(indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) is mounted. The fourth LED 26 islit up at a time when photographing is performed with the inner camera23 or the outer camera 25 (when a shutter button is pressed). Further,the fourth LED 26 is lit up while moving images are taken by the innercamera 23 or the outer camera 25. By the fourth LED 26, an object personwho is (being) photographed and people around the object person arenotified that photographing is performed (being performed) by the gameapparatus 1.

Sound holes 24 are formed in the inner main surface of the upper housing21 and situated on left and right sides of the upper LCD 22 which isprovided substantially at a central portion of the inner main surface ofthe upper housing 21. The speakers are accommodated in the upper housing21 and at the back of the sound holes 24. The sound holes 24 are holesfor releasing sound from the speakers therethrough.

As above described, the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 whichare components for taking an image, and the upper LCD 22 which isdisplay means for displaying various images are provided in the upperhousing 21. On the other hand, the input devices (the touch panel 13 andthe buttons 14A to 14K) for performing operation inputs with respect tothe game apparatus 1, and the lower LCD 12 which is display means fordisplaying various images are provided in the lower housing 11. Forexample, when using the game apparatus 1, the user can hold the lowerhousing 11 and perform an input with respect to the input device whiledisplaying a taken image (an image taken by the camera) on the lower LCD12 or the upper LCD 22.

With reference to FIG. 2, an internal configuration of the gameapparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing anexample of the internal configuration of the game apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 1 includes electronic componentssuch as a CPU 31, a main memory 32, a memory control circuit 33, astored data memory 34, a preset data memory 35, a memory card interface(memory card I/F) 36, a wireless communication module 37, a localcommunication module 38, a real time clock (RTC) 39, a power circuit 40,and an interface circuit (I/F circuit) 41. These electronic componentsare mounted on an electronic circuit substrate and accommodated in thelower housing 11 (or may be accommodated in the upper housing 21).

The CPU 31 is information processing means for executing a predeterminedprogram. In the present embodiment, the predetermined program is storedin a memory (e.g., the stored data memory 34) within the game apparatus1 or in the memory cards 28 and/or 29, and the CPU 31 executes thepredetermined program, thereby executing the information processingdescribed later. It is noted that the program executed by the CPU 31 maybe stored in advance in a memory within the game apparatus 1, may beobtained from the memory cards 28 and/or 29, or may be obtained fromanother apparatus by means of communication with the another apparatus.

The main memory 32, the memory control circuit 33, and the preset datamemory 35 are connected to the CPU 31. The stored data memory 34 isconnected to the memory control circuit 33. The main memory 32 isstorage means used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 31. Inother words, the main memory 32 stores therein various data used in theinformation processing, and also stores a program obtained externally(from the memory cards 28 and 29, another apparatus, and the like). Inthe present embodiment, for example, a PSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used asthe main memory 32. The stored data memory 34 is storage means forstoring the program executed by the CPU 31, and data of images taken bythe inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25, and the like. The storeddata memory 34 is composed of a nonvolatile storage means, and iscomposed of a NAND flash memory in the present embodiment, for example.The memory control circuit 33 is a circuit for controlling reading ofdata from the stored data memory 34 and writing of data to the storeddata memory in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 31. Thepreset data memory 35 is storage means for storing data (preset data) ofvarious parameters, which are set in advance in the game apparatus 1,and the like. A flash memory connected to the CPU 31 via an SPI (SerialPeripheral Interface) bus can be used as the preset data memory 35.

The memory card I/F 36 is connected to the CPU 31. The memory card I/F36 reads data from the memory card 28 and the memory card 29 which aremounted to the connector or writes data to the memory card 28 and thememory card 29 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 31. In thepresent embodiment, data of images taken by the inner camera 23 and theouter camera 25 are written to the memory card 28, and image data storedin the memory card 28 are read from the memory card 28 to be stored inthe stored data memory 34. Various programs stored in the memory card 29are read by the CPU 31 to be executed.

The information processing program of the present invention may besupplied to a computer system not only from an external storage mediumsuch as the memory card 29 but also via a wired or wirelesscommunication line. The information processing program may be stored inadvance in an nonvolatile storage unit within the computer system. Aninformation storage medium for storing the information processingprogram is not limited to the above nonvolatile storage unit, but may bea CD-ROM, a DVD or an optical disc-shaped storage medium similarthereto.

The wireless communication module 37 functions to connect to a wirelessLAN, for example, by a method conformed to the standard ofIEEE802.11.b/g. The local communication module 38 functions towirelessly communicate with a game apparatus of the same type by apredetermined communication method. The wireless communication module 37and the local communication module 38 are connected to the CPU 31. TheCPU 31 is capable of receiving data from and sending data to anotherapparatus via the Internet using the wireless communication module 37,and also capable of receiving data from and sending data to another gameapparatus of the same type using the local communication module 38.

The RTC 39 and the power circuit 40 are connected to the CPU 31. The RTC39 counts a time, and outputs the time to the CPU 31. For example, theCPU 31 is capable of calculating a current time (data) and the likebased on the time counted by the RTC 39. The power circuit 40 controlselectric power from a power supply (typically, a battery accommodated inthe lower housing 11) of the game apparatus 1 to supply the electricpower to each of the electronic components of the game apparatus 1.

The game apparatus 1 includes the microphone 42 and an amplifier 43. Themicrophone 42 and the amplifier 43 are respectively connected to the I/Fcircuit 41. The microphone 42 detects voice uttered by the user towardthe game apparatus 1, and a voice signal indicative of the voice isoutputted to the I/F circuit 41. The amplifier 43 amplifies the voicesignal from the I/F circuit 41, and causes the speakers (not shown) tooutput the voice signal. The I/F circuit 41 is connected to the CPU 31.

The touch panel 13 is connected to the I/F circuit 41. The I/F circuit41 includes a voice control circuit for controlling the microphone 42and the amplifier 43 (speakers), and a touch panel control circuit forcontrolling the touch panel 13. The voice control circuit performs A/Dconversion and D/A conversion with respect to the voice signal, andconverts the voice signal into voice data in a predetermined format. Thetouch panel control circuit generates touch position data in apredetermined format in accordance with a signal from the touch panel13, and outputs the touch position data to the CPU 31. For example, thetouch position data is data indicative of a coordinate point of aposition on an input surface of the touch panel 13 at which an input isperformed. The touch panel control circuit reads a signal from the touchpanel 13 and generates touch position data every predetermined timeperiod. The CPU 31 is capable of recognizing a position on the touchpanel 13 at which an input is performed by obtaining the touch positiondata via the I/F circuit 41.

The operation buttons 14 are composed of the operation buttons 14A to14K, and are connected to the CPU 31. The operation buttons 14 outputs,to the CPU 31, operation data indicative of an input state with respectto each of the operation buttons 14A to 14K (whether or not each buttonis pressed). The CPU 31 obtains the operation data from the operationbuttons 14, and executes processing in accordance with an input withrespect to each of the operation buttons 14.

The inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 are connected to the CPU 31.Each of the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 takes an image inaccordance with an instruction from the CPU 31, and outputs data of thetaken image to the CPU 31. For example, the CPU 31 gives an imaginginstruction to either of the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25,and the camera which has received the imaging instruction takes an imageand sends image data to the CPU 31.

The lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 are each connected to the CPU 31.Each of the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 displays an image inaccordance with an instruction from the CPU 31. For example, the CPU 31displays an image obtained from either of the inner camera 23 and theouter camera 25 on the lower LCD 12, and also displays an operationexplanation screen, which is generated by predetermined processing, onthe upper LCD 22. The CPU 31 displays objects configured with theplurality of icons I on the lower LCD 12, and also displays an imagerelating to a selected icon I on the upper LCD 22. As an alternativeexample, the CPU 31 displays an image obtained from either of the innercamera 23 and the outer camera 25 on the lower LCD 12, and also displaysthe operation explanation screen generated by the predeterminedprocessing on the upper LCD 22.

Next, prior to description of a specific processing operation by theinformation processing program executed on the game apparatus 1, anexemplary display form displayed on the lower LCD 12 and/or the upperLCD 22 by the processing operation, an exemplary connection with anotherapparatus, and the like will be described, with reference to FIGS. 3 to5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display which isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example ofa plurality of icons I which is numbered and displayed. FIG. 5 is adiagram showing an exemplary system in which the game apparatus 1 isconnected to the wireless access point 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, five icons I (icons I9, I10, I11, I12, I13), adialog balloon B, a slide bar SB, and a cursor C are displayed on thelower LCD 12. These images are displayed by displaying a list of filesand programs, which are registered in advance, using the icons I, byperforming a touch operation on the touch panel 13, and by causing theCPU 31 to execute application software (launcher) for launching thefiles and the programs relating to the icons I.

The icons I are images relating to files and programs (typically,computer programs executable by the CPU 31) which are registered inadvance. The user can launch a desired program using any of the icons I.In the present embodiment, a total of 24 icons I (icons I1 to I24) arenumbered in order as shown in FIG. 4, and according to this numberedorder, several of these 24 icons I are displayed within a predeterminedarea Ai (hereinafter referred to as an icon line display area Ai) on thescreen. In FIG. 3, an area surrounded with a dashed line represents theicon line display area Ai. The user selects an icon I corresponding to adesired program, from among a line of the icons displayed in the iconline display area Ai, thereby causing the CPU 31 to execute the desiredprogram. Further, the user scrolls the line of the icons displayed inthe icon line display area Ai, thereby capable of displaying any iconson the lower LCD 12 and selecting one of the icons.

The dialogue balloon B is an image for informing the user of anexplanatory text (such as a program name and an explanation of theprogram corresponding to the icon I11, in the case of FIG. 3) relatingto an icon (the icon I11) displayed at the central portion of the iconline display area Ai.

The slide bar SB is used in combination with the cursor C so as toprovide the user with various functions. 24 shapes (e.g., a rectangle)are aligned and displayed in the slide bar SB, and these 24 shapescorresponds to 24 icons I1 to I24, respectively. The cursor C indicatessuch icons, among the icons I1 to I24 displayed in the slide bar SB,that are currently displayed in the icon line display area Ai. The userperforms a drag operation by moving the cursor C along the slide bar SB(i.e., in a horizontal direction) using the stylus pen 27, therebymoving the cursor C to any position on the slide bar. Further, the userperforms a touch operation by touching any point on the slide bar SBusing the stylus pen 27, thereby moving the cursor C to the point. Whena position of the cursor C on the slide bar SB has changed, the icons Ito be displayed on to the icon line display area Ai are also changedaccordingly. In this manner, the user can display desired icons I, fromamong the icons I1 to I24, in the icon line display area Ai using theslide bar SB and the cursor C.

When the user performs a tap operation, with the stylus pen 27, withrespect to the icon I11, which is displayed at a central portion of theicon line display area Ai, a program relating to the tapped icon I11 isexecuted. In the state shown in FIG. 3, when the user performs the tapoperation, with the stylus pen 27, with respect to the icons I (iconsI9, I10, I12, I13) other than the icon I11 which is displayed at thecentral portion of the icon line display area Ai, the line of the iconsis scrolled such that the tapped icon I moves toward the center of theicon line display area Ai.

The above-described icon operation method may be performed by using ahardware switch (the operation buttons 14). For example, in the stateshown in FIG. 3, when the user presses down the operation button 14D, aprogram relating to the icon I11 which is displayed at the centralportion of the icon line display area Ai is launched. Further, when theuser presses down a right button (i.e., a right portion of the directioninput button 14A), the line of the icons scrolls by one icon I to theright side of the screen. When the user presses down a left button(i.e., a left portion of the direction input button 14A), the icon linescrolls by one icon I to the left side of the screen.

In the present embodiment, when the power of the game apparatus 1 isturned ON, the CPU 31 executes the launcher. When a launcher menu (FIG.3) is displayed on the lower LCD 12, in accordance with an operation bythe user, display forms of the icons I relating to files and programsusable by the user are changed so as to be easily distinguished from theremaining icons I. For example, when the launcher menu is displayed onthe lower LCD 12, the icons I relating to the files and the programsusable by the user are displayed in an emphasized manner (e.g., bychanging a color of upper/lower sides of the frames, or performing edgeenhancement, enlargement, highlighting or the like).

In the exemplary display shown in FIG. 3, among the icons I9 to 113displayed in the icon line display area Ai, the icons Ill and I13 aredisplayed in an emphasized manner (e.g., by changing colors of theupper/lower sides of the frames between seven colors, respectively).Further, FIG. 4 indicates that, among the icon I1 to I24, the icons I2,I6, I11, I13, I18, I22, and I23 are object icons to be displayed in anemphasized manner in the icon line display area Ai. Still further,shapes corresponding to the object icons, among the shapes aligned inthe slide bar SB, are displayed such that colors of the shapes changesbetween seven colors, respectively. In this manner, the display forms ofthe icons I relating to the files and the programs usable by the userare changed, whereby the user can be informed of the usability of theicons I. It is also possible to prompt the user to start up the filesand the programs relating to the icons I displayed in an emphasizedmanner.

For example, a viewer program is installed in the game apparatus 1 so asto display a content received from the Internet or another gameapparatus of the same type. When the game apparatus 1 is in a statecapable of receiving the content, the icon I, which relates to theviewer program for displaying the content, is displayed in an emphasizedmanner. Accordingly, the user can be informed that the game apparatus 1receives the content, and is prompted to launch the viewer program fordisplaying the content.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game apparatus 1 receives a content from theInternet via a wireless access point 3. In this case, an identifier(e.g., an SSID (Service Set Identifier)) to connect to the wirelessaccess point 3, a key (e.g., a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key and aWPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) key) which are designed to connect to thewireless access point 3, and an location ID indicating an location ofthe wireless access point 3 are received from another game apparatus 2.Hereinafter, data used for establishing connection to the wirelessaccess point 3 is collectively referred to as connection data. Forexample, a memory card 2C, on which the SSID, the WEP key and thelocation ID are recorded in advance, is detachably mounted to theanother game apparatus 2, and the another game apparatus 2 reads theSSID, the WEP key and the location ID recorded on the memory card 2C.The another game apparatus 2 is situated at a predetermined locationsuch as a shop, and encodes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID(which are, hereinafter, referred to as the connection data). Theanother game apparatus 2 then wirelessly broadcasts the connection dataat regular intervals (e.g., every 200 ms) within a predetermined rangetherefrom. Accordingly, the game apparatus 1 receives the connectiondata from the another game apparatus 2 via the local communicationmodule 38, thereby capable of establishing connection to the wirelessaccess point 3. The game apparatus 1 extracts the SSID, the WEP key, andthe location ID included in the connection data, and establishesconnection to the wireless access point 3 via the wireless communicationmodule 37. The wireless access point 3 exemplifies a connection pointdevice of the present invention.

That is, the game apparatus 1 receives the connection data from anothergame apparatus 2, thereby automatically capable of establishingconnection to the wireless access point 3. The user is informed by thechange in the display form of the icons I that the game apparatus 1 iscapable of displaying a content via the wireless access point 3. In thismanner, the connection data including the SSID, the WEP key and thelocation ID are broadcast, whereby the game apparatus 1 is automaticallycaused to be connectable to the wireless access point 3. Therefore, evenif the game apparatus 1 does not have the SSID, the WEP key, and thelocation ID installed in advance, the game apparatus 1 can be controlledso as to be connectable to various wireless, access points 3, andaccordingly, development of the system as a whole can be expected.

In this manner, the connection data such as the SSID and the WEP key andthe like is transmitted from another game apparatus 2, whereby the userwho does not know the SSID and the WEP key in advance can establishconnection to the wireless access point 3. Accordingly, the user canestablish connection to an indefinite number of wireless access points.It is noted that, as compared to a case where the SSID of the wirelessaccess point 3 is set to “ANY”, not all the game apparatuses 1 canautomatically establish connection to the wireless access point 3, butonly such game apparatuses 1 that receive permission from another gameapparatus 2 can establish connection to the wireless access point 3.Therefore, unlike the case where the SSID is set to ANY, the connectiondoes not create a disordered state.

For example, the connection data is transmitted from another gameapparatus 2 to the game apparatus 1 by using a protocol dedicated tothese game apparatuses. That is, only such apparatuses that performcommunication using the protocol can receive the connection data, andthus only such apparatuses that use the protocol are capable ofconnecting to the wireless access point 3.

In this manner, when the connection data is received, the icon Irelating to a program for executing a procedural step of connecting tothe wireless access point 3 is displayed in an emphasized manner. It isnoted that, a sign indicative of a program for executing the proceduralstep of connecting to the wireless access point 3 may be attached to theicon I, in addition to the above-described display in an emphasizedmanner. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, at the lower right side of theicon I, the sign indicative of the program for executing the proceduralstep of connecting to the wireless access point 3 is displayed.Accordingly, even if the icon I is not displayed in an emphasizedmanner, it is possible to inform the user that the icon I represents anapplication program which allows the user to perform communication byconnecting to the wireless access point 3.

Next, Prior to describing the processing operation performed on the gameapparatus 1, various data used for executing the information processingprogram will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is adiagram showing an example of various data which is stored in the mainmemory 32 by executing the information processing program. FIG. 7 is adiagram showing exemplary connection data Db.

In FIG. 6, the main memory 32 stores therein a program read from thememory card 28 and the memory card 29 or temporary data generated duringprocessing. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation data Da, the connectiondata Db, hot spot channel data Dc, image data Dd and the like are storedin the data storage area in the main memory 32. Further, stored in theprogram storage area in the main memory 32 are the informationprocessing program, the viewer program for establishing connection tothe wireless access point 3 and for browsing the Internet, the launcherprogram for displaying the list of the plurality of icons I, and variousprogram group Pa including the programs and the like relating to therespective icons I. A flag is set on each of the programs included inthe various program group Pa so as to indicate whether or not theprogram is designed to execute a procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point 3.

The operation data Da stores therein data on a touch coordinate point(touch coordinate point data) indicative of a touch point TP on a screencoordinate system touched by a player on the touch panel 13 and dataindicative of a state of the operation buttons 14 operated by the player(operation button data). For example, the touch coordinate point dataand the operation button data are obtained every unit time (e.g., 1/60sec.), during which the game apparatus 1 performs a game process, andare then stored in the operation data Da and updated.

The connection data Db stores therein data for establishing connectionto the wireless access point 3, the data being received from anothergame apparatus 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the connectiondata Db, data indicative of the SSID, the WEP key, the location ID, areceived strength level and a connection establishment flag areinterrelated to one another, and stored. The data indicative of theSSID, the WEP key, and the location ID, which are stored in theconnection data Db is described in accordance with the data receivedfrom another game apparatus 2. A received strength level of the datareceived from another game apparatus 2 is detected, and the receivedstrength level is interrelated to the data and then stored. When dataindicative of another SSID, another WEP key, and another location ID isreceived from still another game apparatus 2, the data is stored in theconnection data Db as another piece of reception data. In other words,when the game apparatus 1 receives, from a plurality of another gameapparatuses 2, a plurality pieces of data indicative of the SSIDs, theWEP keys, and the locations ID, which are respectively different fromone another, then the respective pieces of data are stored individuallyin the connection data Db together with the received strength levelscorresponding to the respective pieces of data. Further, the connectionestablishment flag is set ON when connection to the wireless accesspoint 3 has been successfully established by using the stored SSID andthe WEP key.

The hot spot channel data Dc stores therein data obtained from apredetermined server on the network via the wireless access point 3 whenconnection to the wireless access point 3 has been successfullyestablished.

The image data Dd includes icon image data Dd1 and emphasized image dataDd2. The icon image data Dd1 is image data for causing the icons I to bedisplayed on the lower LCD 12 and/or the upper LCD 22. The emphasizedimage data Dd2 is image data for causing the icons I to be displayed onthe lower LCD 12 and/or upper LCD 22 in an emphasized manner.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a specific processing operation of theinformation processing program executed on the game apparatus 1 will bedescribed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first half of the informationprocessing performed on the game apparatus 1 by executing theinformation processing program. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a secondhalf of the information processing performed on the game apparatus 1 byexecuting the information processing program. The program for executingthe information processing is included in the programs stored in thememory card 28 and the memory card 29. The program is read from thememory card 28 or the memory card 29 via the memory card I/F 36 when thepower of the game apparatus 1 is turned ON, and then executed by the CPU31.

First, when the power (a power button 14F) of the game apparatus 1 isturned ON (step 51, being abbreviated as “S” in FIGS. 8 and 9), a bootprogram (not shown) is executed by the CPU 31, and accordingly, theinformation processing program stored in the memory card 28 or thememory card 29 is loaded onto the main memory 32. The loaded informationprocessing program is executed by the CPU 31 (step 52), wherebyprocessing in step 53 and thereafter is executed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 31 performs initialization of theinformation processing (step 53), and proceeds to processing in thesubsequent step. For example, as the initialization processing performedin step 53, the CPU 31 initializes respective parameters stored in themain memory 32 to predetermined states. For example, the operation dataDa, the connection data Db, and the hot spot channel data Dc are eachinitialized so as not to include any piece of data. The connectionestablishment flag included in the connection data Db is initialized toan OFF state.

Next, the CPU 31 performs processing for receiving the connection datafrom another game apparatus 2 for a predetermined time period (e.g., fortwo seconds), and determines whether or not the connection data isreceivable from another game apparatus 2 (step 54). When the connectiondata is received from another game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 proceeds toprocessing in step 61 subsequently. ON the other hand, when theconnection data is not received from another game apparatus 2, the CPU31 proceeds to processing in step 55.

Here, when receiving the connection data from another game apparatus 2,preferably, the game apparatus 1 attempts to receive the connection databy using a so-called passive reception method, which allows the gameapparatus 1 to receive a radio wave from another apparatus withoutoutputting a radio wave therefrom. Accordingly, the game apparatus 1does not automatically outputs a radio wave immediately after the poweris turned ON so as to receive the connection data from anotherapparatus. Therefore, the power of the game apparatus 1 can be turned ONeven in a circumstance where an output of an electromagnetic wave isprohibited (e.g., in an airplane).

In step 55, the CPU 31 launches the launcher program, causes thelauncher menu to be displayed on the lower LCD 12, and proceeds toprocessing in the subsequent step. Here, when the launcher menu isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12, the icon I, which relates to the viewerprogram (hereinafter referred to as a hot spot viewer) for displaying acontent received via the wireless access point 3, is also displayed.Further, in above-described step 55, since the game apparatus 1 does notreceive the connection data for establishing connection to the wirelessaccess point 3, the game apparatus 1 cannot establish connection to thewireless access point 3. Therefore, since the game apparatus 1 is notcapable of performing processing using the hot spot viewer, the icon Irelating to the hot spot viewer is displayed in a non-emphasized mannerunlike an emphasized display as shown in FIG. 3. For example, as shownin FIG. 10, supposing the icon I11 relates to the hot spot viewer, theicon I11 is displayed on the lower LCD 12 in the non-emphasized mannerwithout being distinguished from the other icons I.

In above-described step 55, when the launcher menu is displayed, the CPU31 refers to flags set with respect to the programs included in thevarious program group Pa, and determines whether or not the each of theprograms is such a program that is designed to execute a procedural stepof connecting to the wireless access point 3. With respect to the icon Iwhich relates to the program for executing the procedural step ofconnecting to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 attaches a signindicative of the program (see the icons Ill and I13 shown in FIG. 10)to the icon I, and displays the icon I with the sign on the lower LCD12.

Next, the CPU 31 performs processing for receiving the connection datafrom another game apparatus 2 while displaying the launcher menu, andthen determines whether or not the connection data is receivable fromanother game apparatus 2 (step 56). When the connection data isreceivable from another game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 proceeds toprocessing in step 61 subsequently. On the other hand, when theconnection data is yet to be received from the another game apparatus 2,the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step 57 subsequently.

In step 57, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the user has performedany operation with reference to the operation data Da. When the user hasnot performed any operation, the CPU 31 returns the processing back tostep 55, and continuously performs the processing for displaying thelauncher menu in a non-emphasized manner. On the other hand, when theuser has performed some operation, the CPU 31 proceeds to processing instep 58 subsequently. In this manner, the CPU 31 intermittently performsthe processing for attempting to receive the connection data fromanother game apparatus 2 (step 56) while displaying the launcher menu inthe non-emphasized manner. When the connection data becomes receivable,the CPU 31 changes the processing so as to perform such processing thatis performed while connection data is being received (i.e., processingin step 61 and thereafter).

In step 58, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction given byan operation performed by the user is an instruction for selectingexecution of an application (e.g., the hot spot viewer) which requiresconnection to the wireless access point 3. In the case of theinstruction for selecting the application which requires connection tothe wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step59 subsequently. On the other hand, in the case of an instruction whichdoes not require connection to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31proceeds to processing in step 67 subsequently.

In step 59, the CPU 31 displays, on the lower LCD 12, a screen notifyingthe user to reset the game apparatus 1. When the user performs anoperation to reset the game apparatus 1 (step 60), the CPU 31 returns tostep 54 and repeats the processing in accordance with the resetoperation. For example, in step 59, a text image stating “Nocorresponding hot spot is found. Try again in a place where hot spot isavailable.” is displayed on the lower LCD 12, and the user is promptedto reset the game apparatus 1.

On the other hand, in step 67, the CPU 31 performs processing inaccordance with an instruction given by the user, and ends theprocessing in the flowchart. Although various pieces of processing maybe performed in step 67 in accordance with the instruction given by theuser, details thereof will be omitted here.

When the connection data is received from another game apparatus 2 (Yesin step 54, and Yes in step 56), the CPU 31 obtains the connection data,describes the connection data in the connection data Db (step 61), andthen proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. For example, whenthe connection data is received from another game apparatus 2, the CPU31 decodes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID included in theconnection data and describes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location IDhaving been decoded into the connection data Db by interrelating theSSID, the WEP key and the location ID to one another. Further, a signalstrength level when the connection data is received is also detected,and data indicative of the signal strength level is also interrelated tothe decoded data and then described in the connection data Db. When aplurality of pieces of the connection data is received from a pluralityof another game apparatuses 2, the CPU 31 decodes each piece of theconnection data and describes the decoded data into the connection dataDb together with its corresponding signal strength level.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the plurality of pieces of the connection datais received from the plurality of another game apparatuses 2, theconnection data may be described in order of stronger received strengthlevels. In this case, values of the descending strength levels do notneed to be described in the connection data Db.

When a new piece of connection data is received from another gameapparatus 2, only the new piece of connection data may be described inthe connection data Db so as to be added to the data already describedtherein, or only the new piece of connection data may be described inthe connection data Db after all the data already described in theconnection data Db is deleted.

Next, the CPU 31 launches the launcher program, causes the launcher menuto be displayed on the lower LCD 12 (step 62), and proceeds toprocessing in the subsequent step. Here, when the launcher menu isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12, the icon I relating to the hot spotviewer is also displayed. Since the game apparatus 1 obtains theconnection data for establishing connection to the wireless access point3 in above-described step 62, the game apparatus 1 is capable ofestablishing connection to the wireless access point 3. Therefore, thegame apparatus 1 is capable of performing processing using the hot spotviewer, and the icon I relating to the hot spot viewer is displayed inan emphasized manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the icon I11represents an icon relating to the hot spot viewer, the icon I11 isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12 in the emphasized manner so as to bedistinguished from other icons I.

In above-described step 62, when the launcher menu is displayed, the CPU31 refers to the flags set with respect to the programs included in thevarious program group Pa, and determines whether or not each of theprograms is such a program that is designed to execute a procedural stepof connecting to the wireless access point 3. The CPU 31 then displaysthe icon I, which relates to the program for executing the proceduralstep of connecting to the wireless access point 3, in an emphasizedmanner on the lower LCD 12. Further, with respect to the icon I whichrelates to the program for executing the procedural step of connectingto the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 attaches the sign indicativeof the program (see the icons Ill and I13 shown in FIG. 3) to the iconI, and displays the icon I with the sign on the lower LCD 12. Stillfurther, the CPU 31 displays, on the lower LCD 12, a shape, among theshapes aligned in the slide bar SB, which corresponds to the icon Irelating to the program for executing the procedural step of connectingto the wireless access point 3, so as to change between seven colors.

The CPU 31 performs the processing for receiving the connection datafrom another game apparatus 2, while displaying the launcher menu, anddetermines whether or not the connection data is receivable from anothergame apparatus 2 (step 63). When the connection data is not receivablefrom another game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 deletes the data described inthe connection data Db and proceeds to processing in above describedstep 55. On the other hand, when the connection data is receivable fromanother game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step 64subsequently.

In step 64, the CPU 31 obtains the connection data and describes thesame in the connection data Db, and proceeds to processing in thesubsequent step. For example, when the connection data obtained in step64 has an additional piece of connection data which is different fromand not included in the connection data obtained in step 61, the CPU 31may additionally describes only the additional piece of connection datain the connection data Db in the processing in step 64. When theconnection data obtained in step 64 is the same as the connection dataobtained in step 61, description in the connection data Db does not needto be changed in the processing in step 64.

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the user has performed anoperation with reference to the operation data Da (step 65). When theuser has not performed any operation, the CPU 31 returns the processingto step 62, and continuously performs the processing for displaying thelauncher menu in an emphasized manner. On the other hand, when the userhas performed some operation, the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step66 subsequently. In this manner, the CPU 31 intermittently performsprocessing for determining whether or not reception of the connectiondata from another game apparatus 2 is interrupted (step 63) whiledisplaying the launcher menu in the emphasized manner. When thereception is interrupted and the connection data is not receivable, theCPU 31 changes the processing so as to perform such processing that isperformed when the connection data is not receivable (i.e., theprocessing in step 55 and thereafter).

In step 66, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction given byan operation by the user is an instruction for selecting execution of anapplication (e.g., the hot spot viewer) which requires connection to thewireless access point 3. In the case of the instruction for selectingthe application which requires connection to the wireless access point3, the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step 71 (FIG. 9) subsequently.On the other hand, in the case of an instruction which does not requireconnection to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 proceeds toprocessing in step 67.

With reference to FIG. 9, in step 71, in order to ask the user whetheror not to connect to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 displays,on the lower LCD 12, such a display that prompts the user to perform aninput indicative of execution/non-execution of the connection. When theuser performs an input indicative of execution of the connection to thewireless access point 3 (Yes in step 71), the CPU 31 proceeds toprocessing in step 72 subsequently, with reference to the operation dataDa. On the other hand, when the user performs an input indicative ofnon-execution of the connection to the wireless access point 3 (No instep 71), the CPU 31 proceeds to processing in step 83 subsequently.

In step 72, the CPU 31 receives a beacon which is transmitted from thewireless access point 3 at regular intervals via the wirelesscommunication module 37 so as to establish synchronization of a wirelessnetwork. Using information included in the received beacon and theconnection data described in the connection data Db, the CPU 31 attemptsto establish connection to the wireless access point 3 via the wirelesscommunication module 37 (step 73). When a plurality of pieces ofconnection data is described in the connection data Db, the CPU 31attempts to establish connection to the wireless access point 3 using apiece of the connection data which has the strongest received strengthlevel.

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not connection to the wirelessaccess point 3 has been established successfully (step 74). When theconnection to the wireless access point 3 has failed, the CPU 31 selectsanother piece of the connection data described in the connection data Db(step 75), and attempts to establish reconnection to the wireless accesspoint 3 using the another piece of the connection data and theinformation included in the above-described beacon. On the other hand,when the connection to the wireless access point 3 has been establishedsuccessfully, the CPU 31 sets the connection establishment flag ON withrespect to the connection data with which the connection has beenestablished, updates the connection data Db, and then proceeds toprocessing in step 76 subsequently.

In step 76, the CPU 31 stores data, which is obtained from apredetermined server on the network via the wireless access point 3, inthe hot spot channel data Dc, and displays a screen based on the data onthe lower LCD 12 and/or the upper LCD 22. The CPU 31 then proceeds toprocessing in the subsequent step.

For example, when the CPU 31 has established the connection to theserver using the hot spot viewer, the server transmits datacorresponding to a location ID, which is used for establishing theconnection, to the game apparatus 1. For example, when another gameapparatus 2 and the wireless access point 3 are situated in a certainshop, the server transmits, to the game apparatus 1, data such as a nameof the shop corresponding to the location ID, a list of servicesprovided by the shop (e.g., viewable websites, downloadable programs,and the like), file URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) indicated by iconscorresponding to the respective services, connection point addresseswhen the respective icons are selected, and the like. Using the datareceived from the server, the game apparatus 1 displays the iconsindicative of the services provided by the shop on the lower LCD 12 soas to prompt the user to select any of the services (a hot spot channelscreen). FIG. 11 shows an exemplary case where another game apparatus 2and the wireless access point 3 are located in a shop A, and icons Ism1and Ism2 indicative of a service menu 1 and a service menu 2,respectively, which are provided by the shop A, are displayed on thelower LCD 12.

Next, the CPU 31 refers to the operation data Da until the user selects'one of the provided services (step 77). When the user has selected oneof the provided services (Yes in step 77), the CPU 31 proceeds toprocessing in step 78 subsequently.

In step 78, the CPU 31 displays a WEB (World Wide Web) sitecorresponding to the service selected by the user on the lower LCD 12and/or the upper LCD 22. For example, the CPU 31 refers to the hot spotchannel data Dc, obtains a connection point address corresponding to theicon Ism1 or Ism2 selected by the user, and establishes connection tothe WEB site using the connection point address. The CPU 31 thenproceeds to processing in the subsequent step.

Next, the CPU 31 monitors whether or not communication with the wirelessaccess point 3 is disconnected while the user is viewing the website(step 79) and also monitors whether or not the user has performed thereset operation (step 80). When the communication with the wirelessaccess point 3 is disconnected (Yes in step 79), the CPU 31 attempts toestablish reconnection to the wireless access point 3 using theconnection data with which the most recent connection was established(step 81). The CPU 31 refers to the connection data Db, and uses theconnection data, with respect to which the connection establishment flagis set ON, as the connection data with which the most recent connectionwas established. When the reconnection to the wireless access point 3has been established successfully (Yes in step 82), the CPU 31 returnsto step 76 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, when thereconnection to the wireless access point 3 has failed (No in step 82),or when the user performs the reset operation (Yes in step 80), the CPU31 deletes the data described in the connection data Db and returns tostep 54 and repeats the processing.

On the other hand, when the user performs an input indicative ofnon-execution of the connection to the wireless access point 3 (No instep 71), the CPU 31 displays, on the lower LCD 12, a screen notifyingthe user to reset the game apparatus 1 (step 83) When the user performsthe operation to reset the game apparatus 1 (step 84), the CPU 31deletes the data described in the connection data Db, returns to step 54and repeats the processing in accordance with the reset operation. Forexample, in above-described step 83, a text image stating that “Hot spotchannel is not available unless Internet connection is established.” isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12, and the user is prompted to reset thegame apparatus 1.

In this manner, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodimentattempts to obtain connection data before and during displaying thelauncher menu, and changes the display form of the icon I relating tosuch an application that has become usable when the connection data hasbeen obtained, thereby easily distinguishing the icon I from theremaining icons I. Accordingly, it is possible to instantly notify theuser that the application is usable, and also possible to prompt theuser to start up the application. For example, in the case where anapplication requires connection to the wireless access point 3, beforeand during displaying the launcher menu, the user is notified, bychanging the display form of the icon I relating to the application,that the connection data necessary for connection has been obtained.Therefore, the display form of the icon I is changed, whereby it ispossible to notify the user that the user is within an area connectableto the access point apparatus 3 with which the application representedby the icon I is caused to be usable.

In the above description, the display form of the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, is changed by changing the color of the upper and lower sidesof a frame thereof between seven colors. However, the change in thedisplay form in the present invention is not limited to the change inthe color of the upper and lower sides of the frame. Hereinafter, otherexemplary changes in the display form of the icon I performed in thepresent invention will be described.

As a first example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by emphasizing anoutline (frame) of the icon I or by changing a color of the outline ofthe icon I.

As a second example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by enlarging andemphasizing the icon I relatively to the other icons I.

As a third example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by highlighting andemphasizing the icon I.

As a fourth example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by attaching a sign(e.g., an arrow pointing to the icon I) to the icon I.

As a fifth example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by changing a shapeor a color of the icon I, or a picture drawn inside of the icon I, or bychanging a picture drawn inside the icon I into animation.

As a sixth example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by changing anexplanatory text described in the dialogue balloon B for the icon I. Forexample, the display form of the icon I relating to the application,which has become usable due to obtainment of the connection data, ischanged by displaying an explanatory text stating “You are in hot spotarea.” in the dialogue balloon B for the icon I.

As a seventh example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by displaying theicon I dynamically (while the other icons I are displayed statically).

As an eighth example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by causing the iconI to move to a special position (e.g., to move to an area outside theicon line display area Ai (see FIG. 3)).

As a ninth example, with respect to the icon I relating to theapplication which has become usable when the connection data isobtained, when the icon is selectable (e.g., when the icon I is situatedat the center of the icon line display area Ai), the display form of theicon I is changed by changing a background color thereof and the like.

As a tenth example, the icon I relating to the application, which is notusable since the connection data has not been obtained, is set not to bedisplayed. Thereafter, the icon I which relates to the application thathas become usable when the connection data is obtained is displayed soas to be recognizable by the user. The display form of the icon I ischanged, in this manner.

In the tenth example, when the game apparatus 1 has yet to receive theconnection data after the game apparatus 1 is first used (e.g., in thecase where the game apparatus 1 is in an immediately-after-purchasestate), the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable whenthe connection data is received is not displayed. When the gameapparatus 1 first receives the connection data, the icon I may bedisplayed. For example, when the game apparatus 1 has received theconnection data from another game apparatus 2 for the first time, adialog box (e.g., a dialog box asking the user “Play with hot spotchannel?”) is displayed so as to prompt the user to select whether ornot to display the icon I relating to the application which becomesusable when the connection data is received. When the user selects todisplay the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable whenthe connection data is received, the icon I always appears when thelauncher menu is displayed thereafter, and the icon I is displayed in anemphasized manner when the connection data is received.

The display form of the icon I may be changed by using two or more ofthe above-described examples in a combined manner. For example, withrespect to the icon I relating to the application which has becomeusable when the connection data is obtained, the display form thereofmay be changed by changing colors of the upper and lower sides of aframe of the icon I, respectively, between seven colors, by changing anexplanatory text described in a dialogue balloon B for the icon I, andby changing a picture drawn inside the icon I into animation pictures.

In the above-described specific processing operation caused by theinformation processing program, the examples have been described inwhich the display form of the icon I, which relates to the applicationwhich becomes usable when the connection data has been obtained, ischanged only while the game apparatus 1 is receiving the connection datafrom another game apparatus 2. Accordingly, when the game apparatus 1 islocated within an area capable of receiving the connection datatransmitted from another game apparatus 2, and also within an areacapable of being connectable to the wireless access point 3, then thedisplay form of the icon I relating to the application which becomesusable when the connection data is obtained is changed, whereby theapplication is caused to be executable.

However, the display form of the icon I may be changed even if the gameapparatus 1 is in another state. For example, when the game apparatus 1has received the connection data from another game apparatus 2, thereceived connection data is stored on the game apparatus 1 until thepower of the game apparatus 1 is turned OFF. When the power of the gameapparatus 1 is turned OFF, the connection data is deleted. While theabove-described connection data is stored, the display form of the iconI relating to the application which has become usable when theconnection data is obtained is changed. Accordingly, even if an area inwhich the connection data transmitted from another game apparatus 2 isreceivable is not overlapped with an area in which connection to thewireless access point 3 can be established, the game apparatus 1 is ableto establish connection to the wireless access point 3 in such anon-overlapped area as long as the game apparatus 1 has once receivedthe connection data.

The above description is exemplified by the game apparatus 1 which has aconfiguration in which various programs such as the viewer program fordisplaying a content received by establishing connection to the wirelessaccess point 3, and the launcher application software for displaying alist of the icons I are stored in the memory in advance. However, atleast one of the programs may be obtained externally. For example, atleast one of the programs may be obtained from the memory cards 28and/or 29, and may be obtained from another apparatus throughcommunication with the another apparatus. For example, when the viewerprogram is obtained from another apparatus through communicationtherewith, another game apparatus 2 transmits the viewer program as wellas the connection data by wireless broadcasting. The game apparatus 1receives the viewer program transmitted from another game apparatus 2,installs the viewer program, and then receives the above-describedconnection data, thereby executing processing thereafter. Accordingly,even if the various programs are not installed in advance in the gameapparatus 1, it is possible to perform processing similar to that abovedescribed.

The above description is exemplified by the case where the connectiondata such as the SSID and the WEP key is transmitted from another gameapparatus 2, however, an apparatus transmitting the connection data isnot limited to the game apparatus. For example, the connection data maybe wirelessly broadcasted at regular intervals from a dedicated terminalor a versatile terminal which transmits the connection data.Alternatively, the wireless access point 3 may transmit the connectiondata. In this case, the connection data may be included in a beacon,which is transmitted at regular intervals so as to establishsynchronization of a wireless network, and then may be transmitted tothe game apparatus 1.

In the above description, the connection point apparatus has beenexemplified by a system using the wireless access point 3 in which thegame apparatus 1 is connected to the wireless access point 3. However,another apparatus may be used as the connection point apparatus of thepresent invention. For example, although the wireless access point 3functions as an intermediary apparatus to establish connection to thenetwork, connection may be established only between the game apparatus 1and the connection point apparatus of the present invention. Forexample, as the connection point apparatus, another game apparatus,which is different from the game apparatus 1, is arranged, andconnection may be established directly between the game apparatuses.

When the user has selected the icon I relating to an application whichis not useable since the connection data is not obtained, (Yes in step58 shown in FIG. 8), in addition to a display of a screen on the lowerLCD 12 so as to notify the user to reset the game apparatus 1, anexplanation (tutorial) of a method for using the application andfunctions of the application may be displayed. Accordingly, the user canunderstand the method for using the above-described hot spot viewer, thereason why the display form of the icon I is changed, and the like.

In the above-described specific processing operation caused by theinformation processing program, the case has been described where whenthe user has selected a service displayed on the hot spot channel (Yesin step 77 shown in FIG. 9), a WEB site corresponding to the service isprovided and displayed. However, the service may be provided in adifferent form. For example, in the case where the above-describedservice is provided in a form of a native application or the like, andthe user has selected the service displayed on the hot spot channel,then the native application corresponding to the service may bedownloaded to the game apparatus 1 via the wireless access point 3.

Further, in the above description, the SSID is used as an example of theidentifier for establishing connection to the wireless access point 3,the identifier being included in the connection data transmitted fromanother game apparatus 2. However, an identifier which is different fromthe SSID may be included in the connection data. For example, anidentification number such as a MAC address (Media Access Controladdress) which is unique to each wireless access point 3 may be includedin the connection data in combination with the SSID or instead of theSSID.

Further, in the embodiment described above, as an example of a LCDdisplay section having two screens, the case has been described wherethe lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 physically separated from eachother are arranged one above the other (the case of two screens aboveand below). However, a configuration of a display section having twoscreens may be another configuration. For example, the lower LCD 12 andthe upper LCD 22 may be arranged on a main surface of the lower housing11 laterally side by side. Alternatively, a vertically long LCD havingthe same width as the lower LCD 12 and having a vertical length which istwice as large as the that of the lower LCD 12 (namely, an LCD which isphysically one unit and has a display size with a vertical length equalto a sum of vertical lengths of two screens) may be provided in the mainsurface of the lower hosing 11, and the above two images (namely, adisplay image obtained by changing a taken image to a monochrome image,and an image showing an operation explanation screen) may be displayedone above the other (displayed so as to be adjacent to each otherwithout a boundary portion between the above and below). Stillalternatively, a horizontally long LCD having the same vertical lengthas the lower LCD 12 and having a width which is twice as large as thatof the lower LCD 12 may be provided in the main surface of the lowerhousing 11, and the two game images may be displayed laterally side byside (displayed so as to be adjacent to each other without a boundaryportion between left and right). In other words, a physically one screenmay be divided into two and used to display two images. In either formof an image, if the touch panel 13 is provided on a screen on which thedisplay image displayed on the lower LCD 12 is displayed, the presentinvention can be realized similarly. Alternatively, in the case wherethe physically one screen is divided into two and used to display thetwo images, the touched panel 13 may be provided on an entirety of thescreen.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the game apparatus 1 isprovided integrally with the touch panel 13. However, even if the gameapparatus and the touch panel may be provided independently of eachother, it should be understood that the present invention can berealized. Alternatively, the touch panel 13 may be provided on an uppersurface of the upper LCD 22, and the display image displayed on thelower LCD 12 may be displayed on the upper LCD 22. Further, although thetwo display screens (the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22) are providedin the above embodiment, only one display screen may be provided. Inother words, in the above embodiment, the upper LCD 22 is not provided,but only the lower LCD 12 may be provided as a display screen, and thetouch panel 13 may be provided on the lower LCD 12. Still alternatively,in the above embodiment, without having the lower LCD 12, the touchpanel 13 may be provided on the upper surface of the upper LCD 22, andthe display image displayed on the lower LCD 12 may be displayed on theupper LCD 22.

Further, in the embodiment described above, as input means of the gameapparatus 1 for realizing a coordinate input, the touch panel 13 isused. However, another pointing device may be used. Here, the pointingdevice is an input device for designating an input position or acoordinate point on a screen, and, for example, a mouse, a trackpad, atrackball, or the like is used as the input device. When positioninformation on a screen coordinate system calculated from an outputvalue outputted from the input device is used, the present invention canbe realized similarly.

Further, in the case of a stationary game apparatus whose gamecontroller is held by a player while a game is played, a pointing devicein another form is considered. For example, a camera fixed to a housingof the game controller can be used as the pointing device. In this case,in accordance with change in a position at which the housing of the gamecontroller is pointed, an image taken by the camera is changed. Thus, byanalyzing the taken image, a coordinate point at which the housing ispointed with respect to a display image can be calculated.

Further, the above embodiment has been described using the hand-heldgame apparatus 1 and the stationary game apparatus. However, the presentinvention may be realized by an information processing apparatus, suchas a common personal computer, by executing the information processingprogram of the present invention.

Further, the shape of the above game apparatus 1, and the shapes,numbers, and installed positions of the operation buttons 14 and thetouch panel 13 provided therein are merely examples, and the presentinvention can be realized with other shapes, numbers and installedpositions. Further, an execution order or the like of the respectivesteps used in the above-described information processing is merely anexample, and the present invention can be realized with anotherexecution order.

Further, in the embodiment described above, whether or not each of theplurality of application programs requires connection to the wirelessaccess point is determined in accordance with the flag set thereon, andthe display form of the icons relating to the applications is changedaccordingly. However, a display form of icons relating to suchapplications that are specified in advance (which include programsexecuting a procedural step of connecting to the wireless access point)may be changed. In this case, determination based on the flag is notnecessary.

The information processing apparatus, the information processing system,and the storage medium having stored thereon the information processingprogram of the present invention are capable of supporting or promptingthe user to select an application program to be launched from among aplurality of application programs, and are not only useful for anapparatus, a system and the like which display a plurality of objectssuch as icons on a display device, but also useful as a program or thelike which is executed on the apparatus, the system and the like.

While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoingdescription is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It isunderstood that numerous other modifications and variations can bedevised without departing from the scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An information processing system, comprising: acommunication device communicating a localization ID; and an informationprocessing device including at least one display and at least oneprocessor, the information processing device configured to: receive thelocalization ID from the communication device, obtain informationcorresponding to the received localization ID, and generate a display,configured to be displayed using the display device, using the obtainedinformation corresponding to the received localization ID.
 22. Theinformation processing system of claim 21, wherein the communicationdevice is configured to broadcast the localization ID to one or moreinformation processing devices.
 23. The information processing system ofclaim 21, where said obtaining information comprises executing at leastpart of a look-up process using the received localization ID to retrieveone or more pieces of information derived from the localization ID. 24.The information processing system of claim 21, wherein the communicationdevice includes a terminal device configured to wirelessly broadcast thelocalization ID.
 25. The information processing system of claim 21,wherein the communication device includes a terminal device configuredto wirelessly broadcast the localization ID at regular intervals. 26.The information processing system of claim 21, wherein the informationprocessing device includes a handheld device configured to wirelesslyreceive the localization ID communicated from the communication device.27. The information processing system of claim 21, wherein the generateddisplay includes information related to an establishment in which thecommunication device is located.
 28. The information processing systemof claim 21, wherein the obtained information corresponding to thereceived localization ID includes at least information related to a nameof a shop in which the communication device is located.
 29. Theinformation processing system of claim 21, wherein the obtainedinformation corresponding to the received localization ID includes atleast information related to a list of services provided by a shop inwhich the communication device is located.
 30. The informationprocessing system of claim 21, further comprising: a server, theinformation processing device is configured to obtain the informationcorresponding to the received localization ID from the server.
 31. Theinformation processing system of claim 30, wherein the informationprocessing device is configured to wirelessly obtain the informationcorresponding to the received localization ID, via an access point, fromthe server.
 32. The information processing system of claim 21, whereinthe information processing device is configured to obtain URLinformation as the information corresponding to the receivedlocalization ID and configured to generate the display using theobtained URL information.
 33. The information processing system of claim32, further comprising: a server, the information processing device isconfigured to obtain the URL information from the server based on thereceived localization ID.
 34. The information processing system of claim21, wherein the information processing device generates a displayincluding a web-site using a connection point address, the connectionpoint address obtained as the information corresponding to the receivedlocalization ID.
 35. The information processing system of claim 21,wherein the information processing device includes at least one memorystoring an application program, the application program configured tocause the information processing device to execute the obtaining processand the displaying process, and wherein the receiving process is activeeven if the application program is not currently running.
 36. Theinformation processing system of claim 21, wherein the informationprocessing device is further configured to provide a notification whenthe localization ID is received from the communication device.
 37. Theinformation processing system of claim 36, wherein the notification isconfigured to enable the information processing device to launch anapplication program related to the notification.
 38. The informationprocessing system of claim 36, wherein the information processing devicefurther comprises at least one memory configured to store an applicationprogram, the application program causing the information processingdevice to execute the obtaining process and the displaying process, andwherein the receiving process and the notification process are activeeven if the application program is not currently running.
 39. Theinformation processing system of claim 21, wherein the communicationdevice transmits a beacon including at least the localization ID. 40.The information processing system of claim 21, wherein the informationprocessing device is further configured to: detect a received strengthlevel of receiving the localization ID from the communication device;and obtain the information based on the received strength level.
 41. Aninformation processing device, comprising at least one display and atleast one processor, the information processing device is configured to:receive a localization ID from a communication device; obtaininformation corresponding to the received localization ID; and generatea display, configured to be displayed using the display device, usingthe obtained information corresponding to the received localization ID.42. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing aninformation processing program, said information processing programcauses a computer to provide execution comprising: receiving alocalization ID from a communication device; obtaining informationcorresponding to the received localization ID; and generating a display,configured to be displayed using a display device, using the obtainedinformation corresponding to the received localization ID.
 43. Aninformation processing system, comprising: a beacon configured totransmit identification information; and an information processingdevice including at least one display and at least one processor, theinformation processing device configured to: receive the identificationinformation transmitted from the beacon, retrieve first informationcorresponding to the received identification information using theidentification information as a retrieval key, and generate a display,configured to be displayed using the display device, using at least theretrieved first information corresponding to the received identificationinformation.
 44. The information processing system of claim 43, whereinthe identification information transmitted from the beacon is alocalization ID.
 45. The information processing system of claim 43,wherein the beacon wirelessly transmits the identification information.46. The information processing system of claim 43, wherein the wirelesstransmission from the beacon is performed over Wi-Fi communication. 47.The information processing system of claim 43, wherein the display isgenerated directly from the retrieved first information corresponding tothe received identification information.
 48. The information processingsystem of claim 43, wherein the display is generated indirectly from theretrieved first information corresponding to the received identificationinformation.
 49. The information processing system of claim 43, whereinthe information processing device is further configured to retrievesecond information using the retrieved first information and generatethe display using the retrieved second information.
 50. The informationprocessing system of claim 43, wherein the retrieving process isexecuted in association with a server.